Linford Wanderers 0 – 4 Oaks Athletic

pppppppppppppppppScott (GK)

ppAlex (RB) Rob (CB) Deano (CB) Aaron (LB)

Jordan (RM) Gollum (CM) Micky (CM) Eye-Ball (LM)

pppppppppppNathan (CF) (c) Nick (CF)

Subs: Jimmy, Sharpy

Watchers: Parker, Tyrone

Do not adjust your monitors; the Oaks really did return to winning ways and with our first choice left winger playing in goal. With both Ty and Parker on official watching duties, it was a welcome surprise to discover that Scott used to play regularly in goal, and he showed no signs of rust as he put in a solid performance and kept a clean sheet to boot.

Games between the Oaks and Linford Wanderers tend to be close, with 3 of the last 4 being decided by a single goal. This just goes to show what a vast improvement this performance from the Oaks was, as Linford were made to look a far inferior side.

The game got off to a slow start, with neither team really taking control. However, the Oaks soon got into their stride and looked to play the ball to feet, and the determination to experience a win again after 3 straight defeats was evident from the movement and noise from those in blue and black (away strip).

The first chance to score, for the second week running, feel to Eye-Ball, who was relishing the chance to bomb forward from his position on the left wing. As Nick broke down the right, Eye-Ball raced through the middle into the penalty area. Nick then put in a superb cross at waist height which Eye-Ball threw a left foot at, but he couldn’t direct the ball on target.

Having almost set up the first goal, Nick then had a great chance to give the Oaks the lead himself. When the ball broke to him following a throw in, his first time effort hit the post, and rebounded behind off the goal keepers face.

The Oaks had looked very solid at the back, with none of the problems of the previous weeks being evident. Even when Linford did eventually break through Deano was on hand to snuff out the danger with a fine sliding tackle.

With Gollum doing the donkey work in front of the back four, Mikey was given licence to link up with the wingers and front men, and was at the heart of most of the good things created going forward. One such move saw Mikey linking up with Eye-Ball down the left, with a series of close passes along with good movement and even a cheeky back heel from Eye-Ball leading to the Oaks winning a corner. Nathan swung in the corner, and Ty would have been overjoyed to have seen Alex gambling at the back post to steer the ball home from close range: 0-1.

The Oaks maintained their one goal advantage going into half time, despite a wobbly last 10 minutes when we repeatedly gave up possession and let Linford Wanderers have too much time and space on the ball.

The half time team talk was mainly positive, with Milesy re-iterating the importance of getting a second goal to kill off Linford’s challenge.

The second half performance was one of the best from an Oaks side in some time, as we totally dominated the opposition. Eye-Ball’s pre-match banana (and instructions to stay wide when we had possession) seemed to be paying dividends as he ran the Linford fullback ragged. Although I have been told not to be modest about my performance, it is worth pointing out that the Linford fullback was one of the worst we have seen, so just imagine what would have happened if we had a proper winger out on the left. However, the confident and positive approach adopted by Eye-Ball seemed to spread throughout the team, and whereas some weeks we are accused of being too quiet and watchful, the ball was being demanded from all areas.

With the front two being well marshalled by the Linford centre backs, Eye-Ball was the unlikely best attacking option, and he repaid Nick’s favour from the first half by putting the big man through only for the keeper to make a good save with his legs.

With the score at 1-0, Linford were still hopeful of getting back into the game. But these hopes were shattered when, out of nothing, Eye-Ball won possession in midfield and headed towards the penalty area. He held off the opposition challenge before responding to Nathan’s cries with a defence splitting pass to which Nathan supplied his trademark finish into the far corner from the right: 0-2.

This goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Linford, whilst giving the Oaks renewed energy, and Sharpy – who came on for a run out with twenty minutes remaining – claimed the assist as a scramble in the area saw the ball finally poked home by Mikey with the aid of a deflection. Some tried to claim this should go down as an own goal, but as the original effort was on target the dubious goals committee awarded Mikey his second goal of the season: 0-3.

The emphasis now was on keeping a clean sheet, not only because we hadn’t managed this all season but also because we didn’t want to give Linford any reason to believe they were anything but dead and buried. Defensively we had looked at total ease, with some even comparing Rob to a hippo. Not, I hasten to add, that these comparisons were connected to size or a craving for small plastic balls, but rather that the muddier it is the better he seems to perform. With Deano, Alex and Aaron also putting in assured performances Linford were unable to create much. When they did get a shot on goal Scott was more than equal to it, as he dived to his left to palm one fierce drive around the post and tipped a speculative effort from 35 yards onto the bar. Deano then reacted quickest to clear the danger.

Now there aren’t many similarities between Sharpy and Peter Crouch (he doesn’t have his height or good looks for a start), but just like Crouchy does with England, Sharpy always seems to pop up with a goal for the Oaks. This game was no exception when, rather than attempt to play the ball in himself, Eye-ball played the ball down the line to Nathan who, in acres of space, planted the ball right onto Sharpy’s head to leave him the simple task of beating the stranded keeper: 0-4.

Despite some late unsavouries thanks to the stupidity of Linford’s regular hot-head (which isn’t an affliction suffered by any of the Oaks players of course), this was a really enjoyable game for the Oaks, not to mention a great result. We have a week off next week as Deano leads a band of merry men to Newcastle to celebrate his 30th (sorry 21st) birthday.

I’d suggest they avoid the Pig and Whistle, but then you can almost guarantee they will end up there:

http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/12/1252/Pig_and_Whistle/Newcastle

See you all in two weeks.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 28th November Away @ Lakeside v AFC Staggs

Oaks Athletic 1 - 3 Springhouse

The considerable annual turnover of teams in the Thurrock Sunday League means that half the teams in divisions 2A, 2B and 3 are either completely out of their depth, or punching well below their weight. Kaktus are an example of the former; due to two teams folding, last season they effectively finished second from bottom of division three, with just one win and a goal difference of minus 50. Despite this they were promoted to 2B to make room for all the new teams or teams who had folded and reformed with a new name. So far this season they’ve lost 3 of their 4 games, and twice been thumped 9-1. The Oaks opponents, Springhouse, are just one of the many examples of the latter. A team who were playing in the Premier division a few years ago under a different name, and spent last year in the 1st division of the Romford League. So given the league’s policy of putting teams who they consider are too good for the third division into one of the two 2nd divisions (even if they were playing in the Premiership the year before), and combining this with teams relegated from division 1 and promoted from division 3 it becomes clear that there will be very few easy games (discounting the unfortunate Kaktus).

Highlighting this situation is important, as it means that more weight should be given to the performance than the result. Regardless of the ultimate result being the same as the previous two weeks (a defeat), the performance from the Oaks this week was a vast improvement with us playing at the level we should do every week.

In a hope to address the defensive issues of the past few weeks, Milesy changed the look of the side, with Deano deployed in a sweeper role and Rob moving into the five man midfield to give Mikey more opportunity to support Nick up top. With Scott returning, and Alex coming back into the side we had extra strength in both attack and defence:

pppppppppppppppppTyrone (GK)

ppppppppppppDeano (CB)

Eye-Ball (RB)pppppppppppppppMilly (CB) Alex (LB)

ppppppppppppppGollum (CM)

Nathan (RM) (c)pppppppppRob(CM)ppppppppScott (LM)
ppppppppppppppMikey(CM)

pppppppppppppppppppNick (CF)

Subs: Parker, Aaron, Aaron (2)

The Oaks started the game brightly, and showed that they were determined to make amends for the lacklustre performances the two previous weeks. Every ball was competed for, and we did a great job of disrupting the opposition’s flow. We even played some football of our own, and should have taken the lead when Eye-Ball intercepted a pass inside the opposition half, and passed the ball to Mikey who expertly played the ball behind the defence to meet the continued run of Eye-Ball. Now Eye-ball being clear through on goal is about as unlikely as Parker coming home to find the Brazilian women’s beach volleyball team lying in wait for him. Although these two things are very different, Eye-Ball’s reaction was the same as Parker’s would be probably be. Panic, decide you’re not up for the job, and get someone else to finish the job. Unfortunately passing the ball across goal for Nick to tap into an empty net proved to be a mistake, as the referee claimed Nick had benefited from being in an offside position when the ball was originally played through. Despite some debate about the offside rule (which I think centred around Nick’s resemblance to Cristiano Ronaldo) the goal was ruled out, and the chance for the Oaks to take the lead – and for Eye-Ball to open his scoring account for the Oaks – was squandered.

To make matters worse, another bad decision from Eye-Ball soon after lead to Springhouse taking an unexpected lead. Caught in two minds between staying goal side and running with his man, or stepping up to play him offside, the result was that neither was done successfully and the Springhouse winger produced a neat finished when clean through on goal: 0-1.

The Oaks new system can’t be blamed for this, and was actually working very well with every man knowing the plan and executing it as intended.

The Oaks reacted well to going a goal down, and although no obvious goal scoring opportunities spring to mind from the first half, we continued to battle hard, and all were pleased with the performance in the first half.

There was no need to change anything at half time, and although we continued to play well, we went a further goal behind when a rare error form Ty saw a well struck shot slip through his raised hands and trickle agonisingly into the net: 0-2.

Not even going two goals down could dampen the Oaks spirit, and the fact that Springhouse started arguing amongst themselves, despite being two goals up, was a testament to the disruptive effect we were having on their game. Our determination was rewarded when Alex sent in a trademark long free kick into the box, which Springhouse watched sail apparently harmlessly over their heads (see it’s not just us Ty!). However, Nathan had taken a gamble and chased in to poke the bouncing ball past the keeper with the tip of his stud: 1-2.

Unfortunately Springhouse’s two goal lead was restored as quickly as it had been lost, thanks in part to some foul play from the opposition skipper who called “Keeper’s ball” as the ball was swung into the box from a free kick. However, instead of seeing Ty race out to claim the ball, all we saw was the back of the offending player as he raced in unchallenged to steer the ball home: 1-3.

The spirit we continued to show was outstanding, and the determination to challenge for every ball was commendable. It was to be expected that we would get caught on the break, as we pushed forward in an attempt to reduce the deficit, and although everyone dug deep to get back and defend, goal saving challenges from Scott, Nathan and Mikey stand out in the mind. Confidence also continued to be high with Parker even executing a Cruyff turn inside our own penalty area.

The deficit should have been reduced to one goal when Nathan broke down the right and smashed the ball home from an impossible angle, but the linesman decided to give a dubious offside. The decision was possibly influenced by the fact that the opposition had felt aggrieved when, just minutes earlier, Milesy received instructions from the fourth official, via his mobile, to give an offside against Springhouse.

The two negative points were injuries to both Ty and Deano. Ty damaged his shoulder, which meant he missed his first minutes of football for the Oaks since joining at the start of last season. The injury is likely to keep him out for a few weeks which is a real blow. Parker showed himself to be an able substitute though as he pulled off a fine save from a fierce volley, but I’m sure he is wishing Ty a speedy recovery more than anyone. Deano also went off with a “bum” injury, but I’m sure he’ll be ready to go again next week.

Despite some late unsavoury scenes there were no further goals to report, and although all were happy with the performance who knows what the Oaks may have got from this game if it hadn’t been for three avoidable goals. Still, if we play like this against our old rivals Linford Wanderers next week, we’ll have a great chance of returning to winning ways.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 14 November Away v Linford Wanderers @ Corringham Rec - 1030 ko

Oaks Athletic 2 – 6 Wilburn Wanderers (League Cup)

Despite being only 2-0 down at half-time, it was another lacklustre first half that sewed the seed for an early exit from this cup competition for the Oaks. Many people will tell you that preparation is key, and turning up at Belhus Park to find out we are actually playing at Blackshots – and that we are the home side and had to put up the nets – probably isn’t in the coaching manual. As a result we started the game cold, and 10 minutes late.

With Sharpy on emergency duty only, and no obvious replacement without weakening the side in other areas, Milesy went for a 4-4-1-1 formation with Nathan supporting lone striker Nick.

The Oaks starting eleven looked as follows:

pppppppppppppppppTyrone (GK)


ppDeano (RB) Rob (CB) Milly (CB) Eye-Ball (LB)


Jordan (RM) Gollum (CM) Mikey (CM) Aaron(2) (LM)

pppppppppppNathan (RM) (c)


pppppppppppppppppppNick (CF)

Subs: Parker, Jimmy, Aaron, Sharpy, Aaron (2), Alex

It could be argued that the Oaks had an excuse for being slow out of the blocks, but the reality was that they were knocked onto the ropes by a young and energetic Wilburn side who were doing what we should have been: moving into space and demanding the ball, and giving the Oaks players no time on the ball. As a result, without the ball we were chasing shadows, and when we had it panic set in and possession was given away far too easily.

Despite this the opening goal came from a set piece, which highlighted the uncertainty about how we set up defensively. It was decided at half time that Rob would call the line in open play, but that this would be Ty’s job from set-pieces. However, half time was too late to help with this set piece, as keeper and centre back both attempted to marshal their confused troops. Amongst the confusion the free kick was floated in, Ty came and missed, and the ball bounced off Rob and into the net: 0-1.

Things really didn’t get any better in the first half, with many players being guilty of ball watching, including your esteemed match reporter who found himself in a two on one situation and managed to play both the opposition players onside. Needless to say the striker was gifted a clean run on goal and finished neatly over the stranded Ty: 0-2.

Half time couldn’t have come soon enough for the Oaks, and the riot act was duly read. Two changes were made with Jimmy and Alex replacing Jordan and Aaron (2), who had acquitted himself well in his first start and even had one of the best chances to score, but could only head wide when in a good position at the back post. Alex slotted in at left back with Eye-Ball moving up to the wing, and Jimmy came in on the right wing.

The attitude was much better in the second half, and the majority of the game was played in Wilburn’s half. However, they showed themselves to be as good in defence as we had allowed them to look in attack in the first half. One of the battles of the match was between Nick and the Wilburn captain. Both would definitely be classed as heavy weights in footballing terms, and Nick struggled to get the upper hand on his opposite number.

The other major battle was between the Oaks players and the referee, who was the same man in black who had been blamed for denying the Oaks a point a week ago. Unfortunately he suggested that rather than last week being a one-off poor performance, the problem was terminal and this week was another shocker. Off-side flags were ignored (which made Sharpy as happy as larry), good shouts for penalties against Mikey and two against Nick were ignored, and he basically gave the opposition free licence to kick our striker into next week without punishment. To make matters worse he showed no hesitation in awarding Wilburn a soft penalty after Jimmy made minimal contact with their man: 0-3.

Three nil became four when the Oaks were once again caught out playing to high up the pitch and Ty was again greeted with the far too familiar sight of an opposition player bearing down on him unchallenged. The odds were obviously against him and Wilburn made no mistake: 0-4.

By this time the Oaks seemed to have got their belief back, and despite the mountain now being insurmountable some pride was restored when the Oaks scored following the best move of the match. Jimmy, Nick and Mikey combined on the edge of the area, with Mikey chipping an excellent ball through to Nathan who showed good composure to slot home past the helpless Wilburn keeper: 1-4.

Unfortunately the 4 goal cushion was quickly restored thanks to a superb through ball from Jimmy. This sentence isn’t misprinted, but I should clarify that it was a superb through ball for the opposition rather than the Oaks. This time the Oaks back four can be excused for being caught out, but then you could argue that the high line leaves no margin for error. Deano – who had a great game and epitomised the passion and commitment that is expected of all who pull on the red and black – valiantly gave chase and was desperately unlucky to see the ball bounce into the net off the inside of the post following his last ditch ball winning tackle. 1-5.

The Oaks did pull another goal back when a low corner from Nathan was converted from close range by Nick, but we conceded again when Wilburn broke again, and the substitute headed home from what looked suspiciously like an offside position.

Despite the one sided score line, the story could have been very different if it hadn’t been for the young Wilburn keeper, who had the game of his life. He denied Mikey, who looked to have slotted the ball in at the near post only for a strong hand to come to Wilburn’s rescue. He also denied Parker who shot firmly from the right, and was unlucky not to score his first goal of the season. Add to these saves the unrewarded penalties and it could have been a much closer game.

For a team that prides itself on defence we have conceded an awful lot of soft goals of late. This has been discussed at length, and although we know what the problem is with playing the offside trap, the same mistakes are still being made. Next week the manager will try something different with Deano playing in a sweeper role, and it is important that all the team (and the supporters for that matter) know what the plan is so encouragement and advice can be given coherently and consistently. The spirit and support between the players in the second half was great to see, and if we all get behind each other we won’t have many days like this.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 7th November v Springhouse @ Blackshots (home) 10:30 K.O.